Hi all . I need some perspective please!
I have had health anxiety on and off for about 10 years focusing mainly on heart problems after losing a loved one to a massive heart attack (unexpected, was in good health or so we thought).
I am beyond terrified of the same thing happening to me and go through periods where Im absolute mess. However I also go through very long periods where I'm totally fine and life is great. I had a nervous breakdown when it all first started and have come close to having another one. I'm on medication and have been to councelling/CBT twice. Neither experience was helpful.
None of this is helped by the fact I do suffer with at times horrendous chest pain. I've had a bunch of ECGs, chest x-rays and blood tests and I'm always fine. Sometimes I'm told it's just anxiety other times that it's costochondritis. Anyway I've been going downhill again for a few weeks with feeling a lot of pain and having intrusive and repetitive thoughts. My panic attacks are frequent and overall anxiety pretty bad. I've just been signed off sick and my employer has referred me for a councilling scheme which starts soon. I've had a brief chat and they think I have a bit of PTSD.
My Dr thinks I'm peri menopausal which is what is causing these very frequent uncontrollable anxiety spikes and Im booked in for a chat about hormone treatment next month. In the meantime they have upped my meds and also put me on propranolol. I've taken 2 days worth so far and yes it stopped my panic attack in its tracks but I'm also having chest discomfort. I don't know if it's the discomfort I feel anyway or if it's new.as my pain often ping pongs to different places and feels different anyway. My chest is icy cold on the inside, like I've sprayed deep freeze on it..this scares me so I'm panicking again!
I'm not asking for medical advice just to see if anyone can relate? Is it worth sticking out? Did anyone find it good for health anxiety?
Thank you x